Aussie Biscuits has this week celebrated the opening of its new factory located at 137 Rankin Street.
A well-known Forbes icon, Aussie Biscuits, is one of nine businesses owned and run by House with No Steps. It provides employment opportunities for people with a disability and has been part of the Forbes community for over 40 years.
More importantly, it also provides people with a disability the sense of connection, pride and independence that comes from working.
House with No Steps Executive Director of Businesses, Brett Lacey said the Aussie Biscuits team was thrilled to be in their new home.
“The new factory has been possible after we received $210,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund towards a $456,000 project to scale up our operations.
“Moving to the new factory is a big milestone! Some of our supported employees have been working at Aussie Biscuits for over 30 years. We’re celebrating our new chapter and we’ll now be able to bake more biscuits and deliver them to even more people. The new factory will also create much-needed employment opportunities for people with a disability in the area,” said Brett.
The new site includes new ovens, which have come all the way from Italy, a specialised cool room and mixing room for biscuit production. Employees now also have a new lunch room and a welcoming reception area.
Colin Ward is one of 30 supported employees at Aussie Biscuits. He’s been with the company for 30 years.
“I love making biscuits and seeing all my friends and working with everybody. I’m excited to be in our new place. We’re now able to make even more biscuits,” he said.
Federal Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the opening of the new factory was a good result for a fantastic organisation.
“This is great for the local community and great for local business,” said Michael.
“House with No Steps is doing a power of good in Forbes and this new Aussie Biscuits factory will continue its fine work.
“I particularly like the Jam Drop biscuits and I will be dropping in one day to take a tour of the new factory,” he said.
Construction on the new factory started in May 2018 and Aussie Biscuits marked the new chapter with a grand opening morning tea and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, 31st October.